THE EMPEROR'S NEW SUIT »ÊµÛµÄÐÂ×° Ó¢Óï¶Áºó¸Ð

Ages 4-8. This large-format picture book retells the familiar story of the emperor who was duped into parading down the street in an imaginary suit of clothes. When literal-minded children get to the familiar line "He's got nothing on," they will point out that the emperor is still wearing his hat, sash, sword, stockings, shoes, and some sort of bloomers. Still, they'll get the message. The text omits some details and adds others, but this version follows Andersen's story fairly closely. Watercolor paintings focus on the graceful poses and gestures of the emperor and his courtiers, whose exaggerated wigs and elaborate clothing suit the tale. Libraries may have other editions on their shelves, but this one will satisfy readers looking for a more conservative approach to the tale, with human characters rather than dressed animals and less nudity than children will see on the beach. For a dressed or undressed animal version, check out Yolen's King Long Shanks,